Cricket: Moxon over pain barrier

MARTYN MOXON, the England A captain, may return against Western Australia in Perth today. Out for a fortnight with a hand injury, Moxon is in the squad of 12 for the four-day match which ends the two-month tour.

Moxon has had two net sessions to test the right index finger he injured when batting against South Australia in Adelaide. Team manager Norman Gifford said: 'There is a time when a player has to put up with the discomfort and play. If Martyn's finger is struck he can do no more damage than he has suffered already. It's worth the risk.'

Moxon will have to face the Australian Test fast bowler Bruce Reid, who is expected to lead the Western Australian attack.

ENGLAND A (from): * M D Moxon, M N Lathwell, T C Middleton, P J Prichard, G P Thorpe, G D Lloyd, R C Russell, D G Cork, A R Caddick, D J Millns, J Boiling, M C Ilott.